§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is the case that Customs officers or others may allow vessels known to be carrying illicit drugs to leave British ports; and whether they will make a statement in relation to SS "Mediterran Frigo".
§ Lord Young of GraffhamThe SS "Mediterran Frigo" arrived at Newport from South America. Customs officers found 7 kg of cocaine in a locker. The vessel was carrying £7 million worth of bananas, mainly destined for Antwerp. Rather than unload this chilled, perishable cargo to permit a detailed search of the holds, Customs made an operational decision to inform the Belgian authorities and allow the vessel to proceed. At the time when the vessel left the UK it was not known whether more drugs were on board, but the holds were secured during the passage to Antwerp. A search of the vessel by Belgian authorities revealed a further 2 kg of cocaine.